Sunday, September 12, 2010

R.I.P. Mike Edwards - E.L.O. Cellist 1948-2010

Mike Edwards, one of the early members of the British rock ensemble, Electric Light Orchestra, died Sept. 3 in an accident.

Mr. Edwards was driving a white van along a countryside road in the southwestern county of Devon when a 700 pound hay bale tumbled down a hill and landed on the windshield of his vehicle, killing him instantly, police said.

He was a particularly eccentric character of the band, who was known for wearing a tailed tuxedo, and playing solo tunes using a grapefruit for a bow.

He also had one particular piece, called the "dying swan," when at the end of his routine, his cello would "explode."

He played with ELO from 1972 to 1974 before becoming a Buddhist, changing his name to Deva Pramada, and making money teaching the cello.